Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Dhanteras – First day of Diwali


Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day (teras) of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It heralds the beginning of the five days of Diwali.

Traditional artwork of Rangoli Designs are made to welcome the Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi puja is performed in the evenings and naivedya – a collection of traditional sweets – is offered as prasad to the Goddess.

Dhanteras also honors the hindu patron of medicine – Dhanavantri. It is hence also referred to as Dhana-triyadoshi (thirteenth night). The legend of Dhanavantri is that he arose from the ocean during samudra-manthan (the churning of the oceans) by the Gods carrying a metal container with all the herbs and medicines needed to cure humanity of all diseases. One variation of the legend says that Dhanavantri brought ambrosia or the elixir of eternal youth for the Gods from the ocean. The emergence of Dhanavantri was preceded by the appearance of Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus from the ocean of milk.



Dhanteras is marked by purchases of gold jewelry and silver coins inscribed with images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

May Goddess Laxmi bless you all to do well in spite of all odds like the enduring charms of Gold and Diamonds


                                                  
Wishing all Shubh Dhanteras.

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